Clearwater River Salmon Season Expected To Remain Open Through June 20

LEWISTON - - Fishery managers for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) expect that the salmon fishery in the Clearwater River drainage will remain open at least through June 20, 2004. Harvest of hatchery salmon was lower that expected during the last week, largely a result of high river flows. Managers have also updated the estimate of the spring chinook run and the latest run size estimate indicates the sport fishery harvest share for the Clearwater River is approximately 8,500 adipose-clipped salmon. Fishery managers estimate that as of June 10, 2004, salmon anglers have harvested 70 percent of the State's harvest share of 8500 surplus adult hatchery fish returning to the Clearwater River. Fisheries managers will continue to evaluate fishery status on a weekly basis. Any portion of the State's harvest share remaining beyond June 20 may be used to continue fisheries in the South Fork Clearwater and Lochsa rivers that have been slow to start and so far have accounted for relatively low harvest. The Clearwater River spring chinook sport fishery will close once the State's share of the surplus is harvested. State fishery managers will provide an update on fishery status and potential fishery closures in the Clearwater River Basin on June 17, 2004